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North Platte Physical Therapy - Powell

 
 

Physical and Occupational Therapy are offered through Powell Valley Healthcare. These therapeutic services provided by our friendly staff include treatment to all age groups from infants to geriatric patients. We help restore the range-of-motion, strength, coordination and functional mobility that allows our patients to improve the quality of their lives through our experience and state of the art equipment. Our goal is to provide instruction and appropriate exercise programs that will allow people to return to the activities they enjoy. We offer same day scheduling to all patients and work to fit their busy life schedules.

Location Details

307-754-1235  Send Email Submit Paperwork
Address: 469 Mountain View Street, Powell, WY 82435
Hours: Mon - Fri: 8AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-754-3792

Meet the Staff

John Asher, PT, OCS

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Partner, Clinic Supervisor

John is a partner at North Platte Physical Therapy and has been with the company since 1995.  John is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and has always enjoyed various sports, which is what led him into Physical Therapy.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Certified Vestibular Specialist
  • Certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Certified in Applied Functional Science (CAFS), Gray Institute
  • Certified in Graston IASTM Technique
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Expertise in Kinesiotaping
  • Specialized training through the IAOM, including Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Knee, and Shoulder  
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Special Interests:

  • Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders
  • Ankle and Knee Rehabilitation
  • Spine Rehabilitation
  • Corrective Exercise Prescription

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Wyoming Physical Therapy Association

Community Involvement:

  • Instructor for Powell Valley Healthcare's CNA Program
  • Volunteer Therapist for Powell High School and Middle School Athletic sports medicine team

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Family: Wife: Julie; Son: Carson; Daughter: Lauren

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and weight training

 
Troy Fulton, MS, PT

I love Physical Therapy because it gives me the opportunity to interact with a variety of people.  I think it is so rewarding to make a difference in someone's life by reducing their pain or helping them gain the strength or function to get back to enjoying life.

Education:

  • Master of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Blood Restriction
  • Certified Kinesiotaping
  • IASTM Rock Blading Certification
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Mulligan Concept ( Upper and Lower Quarters)
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Employment Screens
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Ergo Science Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • CAFS
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Wyoming Physical Therapy Association

Community Involvement:

Supporter of local high school and college sports

Hometown: Powell, Wyoming

Family: Sons: Nate, Noah, and Nic

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, and woodcarving

 
Gail Mills, PT

Physical Therapy is the perfect blend of my interest in science, medicine, and providing service to others. I enjoy working with a variety of ages of patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I love the personal element of PT as I have the opportunity to help patients restore function and facilitate a return to their desired lifestyle.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota 

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Adult Bladder Control and Urinary Incontinence Certification, Male and Female 
  • Specialized Training in Dysfunction of the Pelvic Floor, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pelvic Pain, and Postpartum Care
  • LSVT BIG Certification
  • IASTM Rock Blading Certification
  • Kinesiotaping Certification
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy

Community Involvement:

  • Volunteer Patient Advocate at Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center
  • Various volunteer church activities

Hometown: Hulett, Wyoming

Family: Husband Gary, daughter Nikki, and sons Gavin and Galen as well as 9 grandchildren

Hobbies: Camping, horseback riding, reading, crocheting, and visiting my children and grandchildren.

 
Kandice Lytton, DPT

As a physical therapist, I enjoy making a connection with my patients to learn more about what they want to achieve in therapy. Every patient is unique, and their rehabilitation should be, as well.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
  • Bachelor of Art, Biology, Carroll College, Helena, Montana

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1
  • Herman and Wallace Athletes and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
  • Function and Dysfunction of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor
  • Pelvic Pain – Female and Male
  • Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Rehabilitation
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
  • Functional Manual Therapy for the Pelvic Girdle

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy

Community Involvement:

  • Cub Scout Den Leader

Hometown: Sulphur Springs, Montana

Family: Children: Sam, Garret, Peter

Hobbies: Horseback riding/roping, baking, gardening, fishing/boating, hunting, reading, and sewing. n.

 
Brett Soloai, OTR/L, CHT

Brett is originally from New Zealand and became a US Citizen in 2010.  Brett strives to help his patients reach their maximum functional potential and restore the highest quality of life attainable.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, The Central Institution of Technology

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • Certified Hand Therapist
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Mulligan Concept (Upper Quarter)
  • Donatelli Shoulder Evaluation and Treatment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Society of Hand Therapists 

Community Involvement:

  • LDS Church

Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand

Family: Wife Cathryn and 6 children and many grandchildren

Hobbies: Racquetball, basketball, auto mechanics, outdoor activities, travel, and family

 
Kinsey Baxter, MOTR/L

Occupational therapy allows people to live their best, most independent life. I love that I get to walk that journey with my patients. Being an occupational therapist has been my lifelong dream, and I am so excited to share my joy in this work with Powell and my new patients of all ages.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Wyoming

Certifications:

  • LSVT BIG

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Occupational Therapy Association

Hometown: Powell, Wyoming

Family: Married to Carter, my high school sweetheart, and happy to be living in Wyoming with our dogs, Flynn and Clyde.

Hobbies: I enjoy being outside doing anything, including running, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. I love spending time in the mountains with my husband, our dogs, and my friends.

 
Mary Dietz, PTA

I enjoy working in the Physical Therapy department because of the variety of people and injuries I encounter on a daily basis.  This is a very fulfilling job when I can help someone get back to the activities they enjoy.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Montana 
  • Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapy Assistant, San Juan College, Farmington, NM

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • LSVT BIG Certification

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hometown: Powell, Wyoming

Family: Husband, Clay

Hobbies: Horseback riding, CrossFit, and quilting.

 
Sarah Trotter, PTA

I enjoy my job as a PTA helping people return to their previous function following injury or surgery.  I enjoy working in Rural Wyoming as we get to see a wide variety of patients in various settings including inpatient and outpatient.  I love the opportunity to educate patients through exercise and strengthening and see them progress and reach their goals.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, San Juan College, Farmington, NM  
  • Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping
  • Functional Strength
  • Certified CPR instructor
  • CAFS

Community Involvement:

  • Volunteer sports medicine team for middle school athletic activities

Hometown: Thompson Falls, Montana

Family: Husband Shane, stepson Jesse, and stepdaughter Gracie.

Hobbies: Roping, quilting, gardening, exercising, volleyball, and horseback riding.

 

Services Offered

  •  Balance Rehab
  • Body Mechanics Training
  • Chronic Pain
  • Custom Foot Orthotics
  • Custom Splinting
  • Ergonomic & Worksite Evaluation
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations

  • Hand Therapy
  • Kinesio taping
  • Myofacial Techniques
  • Parkinson's Treatment LSVT Big
  • Pediatric Occupational Therapy
  • Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
  • Pre-Employment Screening
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • TMJ
  • Torticollis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Women's Health
  • Work Hardening/Conditioning
  • Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
  • Wound Care

Latest News & Info

Dry Needling from your Physical Therapist in Cheyenne, WY Can Help with Headaches

February 13, 2019

Dry Needling from your Physical Therapist in Cheyenne, WY Can Help with Headaches
Having a headache can completely change your day. Light can make it difficult to look at computer screens drive. It can be hard to concentrate on even the smallest things when your head is just pounding. When severe, you may even feel nauseated. If you deal with headaches regularly, it is best to do something about it. Find ways to manage them including premier dry needling from your go-to physical therapist in Cheyenne, WY. 

Types of Headaches

For the 50 million that deal with headaches each year, it can be frustrating that not all are the same. Some are intense; others are short but painful. Others are an annoyance while some are downright debilitating. There are two categories of headaches that make up the various types: episodic and chronic. Episodic headaches are your occasional headaches that can last for hours. Chronic headaches are frequent. 

Cluster: This type of headache packs a punch. They tend to stay on one side of the face behind the eye, with a sharp, pounding pain. They occur for a set amount of time, go away, then return. 
Hormone: Women can experience headaches due to their menstrual cycle. They can start during ovulation and last throughout one’s period. 
Hypertension: Caused by high blood pressure, a hypertension headache can be dangerous. Those suffering may also have numbness, visual changes, nosebleeds, or even chest pain. It is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. 
Migraine: A migraine is a category of it's one. Throbbing pain takes over, in some cases, causing nausea or changes in vision. 
Physical: After an intense workout or being more active than usual, increased blood flow in the head creates pulsing pain.  
Post-injury: If you have experienced an injury to the head within the last year, it can lead to headaches that occur on and off. 
Sinus: Occurring due to mucus build-up, or because of a sinus infection, sinus headaches can make you feel stuffed up and miserable. 
Tension: A slight pain or pressure around the head that also causes pain from the shoulders and up. 

Seeking Relief

Finding relief for your headaches is essential. It can help you continue your daily activities pain-free. Some ways to feel better include: 

Over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatories, or stronger medication prescribed by a physician 
Hot or cold therapy
Reducing or eliminating light 
Changes in diet

You can also review these 18 remedies to get rid of headaches naturally when searching for solutions for your pain. 

Dry Needling

Another great way to help with headaches is to go to a local physical therapist for dry needle therapy. Through using small, monofilament needles, a top physical therapist will insert them into the muscles. This helps to ease knots and tension, allowing the muscle to get back to its normal state. It is different than acupuncture. 

When it comes to receiving quality dry needling for your headaches and migraines, North Platte Physical Therapy offers dry needling to help. You don’t have to suffer—let our talented team help you reduce or eliminate your headaches! Contact us today!
 
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Cheyenne WY Physical Therapy Helps You Run Your First 5K in 2019

February 1, 2019

Cheyenne WY Physical Therapy Helps You Run Your First 5K in 2019
Getting healthier is one of the top goals people make in the new year. For many, running a 5K, a five-kilometer or 3.1-mile race, is a challenge they are ready to take on. You could be interested in running as a new hobby or to help with fitness goals. If you would like to run your first marathon, it will take time and practice. With effort and training with local Cheyenne, WY physical therapy, you can be successful in running your first race. 

Choosing a Race

Once deciding to run a 5K, have fun searching for races in your area. When searching for upcoming 5Ks in Wyoming or Nebraska Runs, you can find tracks by terrain, included perks, and more. For beginners, choose courses that are flat and few twists and turns. 

How Long to Train

For those new to running, it can take an upwards of eight weeks to get ready for your first 5K. If you have some experience, you could master the race in five to six. A go-to way to get started is working with a friend, an app like Couch to 5K (C25K) or working with a local physical therapist.  

Schedule

When training for your 5K, you need to create a schedule and stick with it. It starts with a balance of walking, running and rest. Incorporating all three in your 5K training will help prepare you and avoid injuries. The running and walking will be combined into sessions a few days a week, followed by rest days. 

The best way to get started is in one-minute intervals for a half hour. You will walk for 45 seconds then run for 15. For best results, have your run/walk days to be every other day. By alternating run/rest days, you will keep up your momentum and regulate the body. The closer you get to your race, the more you can change the running and walking to 30 seconds vs. 15. You will pace yourself out to get to a point where you can run and walk for the entire half hour. 

Fueling Your Body

Providing your body with the right nutrients is crucial for a successful 5K. Adopt healthier eating habits and learning the proper balance of macronutrients. Macronutrients are carbs, protein and, fats. Carbs are especially crucial to running, but that doesn’t mean to load up on bread and pasta. Eat clean, “slow burning” carbs to help provide you energy for your workouts. 

Using North Platte Physical Therapy

One of the best things you can do when training for a 5K is to work with physical therapist. Your therapist will help you determine the best ways to train that work for you, including pace, form, nutrition, and overcoming challenges. In addition, your physical therapist will provide you with quality advice on avoiding injuries. 

As you prepare for your first 5K in 2019, North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to for athletic training. We’ll help you accomplish your first successful race of the year! Contact us today to find a location near you.  
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Ways Physical Therapy in Casper, WY Is Beneficial For Your Post-Cancer Treatment

January 23, 2019

Ways Physical Therapy in Casper, WY Is Beneficial For Your Post-Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment takes a toll on the body. To regain strength, one of the best ways a person can recover is using physical therapy in Casper, WY. There are a variety of areas that are worked to help get a person back to their full potential. Whether you or a loved one is finishing cancer treatment, use this guide to learn how local physical therapy can assist with treatment. 

What is Cancer? 

Sadly, each year nearly two million people are diagnosed with cancer. It is common in society but sometimes we don’t realize or understand what it is. Cancer is when abnormal cells grow in the body. They take over the healthy, normal cells, wreaking havoc in the body. In several types of cancer, the growth of these cells creates large lumps, known as tumors. Leukemia is a form of cancer that does not have tumors but rather bad cells in the blood. 

Stages of Cancer


There are four stages of cancer a person can experience. Stages one and two have a lower amount of bad cell-growth. Stage three and four are a higher spread of the cells. Chemotherapy is used to stop the expansion of these bad cells, as well as radiation. In other cases, a surgery can be performed to eliminate tumors. Depending on which stage of cancer a person has will determine the route for treatment. 

Types of Post-Treatment Physical Therapy


Once a person undergoes treatment, recovery is key. One of the go-to ways to recover successfully is to incorporate physical therapy. One of the best things about physical therapy is how customized it is. This is perfect as every individual situation is different. Top ways physical therapy is used includes: 
  • Movement: Physical therapy encourages movement and helps a person build strength and increase energy levels. Also, as a person may have spent several months not moving much at all, a physical therapist will help increase movement back to its original potential. 
  • Pain Management: The extent of the drugs and procedures used when treating cancer can be tough. A person may be in pain and unable to fully move like normal during this process. A physical therapist will address this for the future. 
  • Regain Balance: Cancer patients commonly have balance issues after treatment. A top way a physical therapist will assist with getting balance back. This is crucial for a person’s safety when walking, sitting, etc. 
  • Lymphedema: When it comes to lymphedema and using Casper physical therapy for management, a quality physical therapist knows best. 

Whether you or a loved one is being treated for cancer, North Platte Physical Therapy is your place to recover. Our team of dedicated and knowledgeable staff understands post-cancer treatment. We create customized physical therapy plans for recovery. Contact us today to find a location near you. We offer pool therapy, hot and cold treatment, manual therapy exercises, extension exercises, myofascial release techniques and much more to get you or your loved one back on their feet. As a person seeks ways to regain strength and momentum, our office will help. 
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Casper Physical Therapy Explains How Bumps and Bruises Are Formed

January 23, 2019

Casper Physical Therapy Explains How Bumps and Bruises Are Formed
With a simple brush against a sharp corner, or accidentally hitting your head, a bruise and/or bump can appear. People get bumps and bruises all the time, from simple accidents to more significant issues. But what are they, exactly? Bruises are ordinary and usual. Take time to learn about what they are and how Casper physical therapy can help with more massive accidents and issues. 

What is a Bruise? 


A bruise appears on a person who damages blood vessels or capillaries in an area. This is common when a person bumps a spot or sustains an injury. Once an area is affected and the blood vessels burst, small amounts of blood disperse in the area—causing what we know as a “bruise.” While people that have thinner skin are more likely to larger bruises, just because the surface is easier to damage, anyone can bruise. On average, a bruise will stay around for a couple of weeks at a time. As time passes by, the color of the bruise will change. In a week or two after an injury, the bruise will turn a shade of green. This is the body’s natural healing reaction with the breakdown of hemoglobin. 

What Causes a Bump? 


In addition to a bruise, after sustaining an injury, a bump may appear. When blood pools in an area due to an injury, it can cause a lump. For the most part, bumps are harmless. Whether it is you or your child that has a lump due to an injury, monitor the situation. If you or your child acts out of the ordinary, it could be a sign more treatment is needed. Watch out for blurry vision, headaches, unsureness or confusion, and more. 

Healing Time


A bruise can fully heal within a couple of weeks. It looks its  most intense a few days after an injury. From there, hemoglobin will kick in. During the recovery, it will turn a yellow-green color. This is a positive sign of healing and growth. 

Using Physical Therapy


When it comes to your health and wellbeing, don’t let pain and discomfort persist. Get help from a physical therapist to resolve issues. Local physical therapy is one of the best ways to treat injuries. When working with a top therapist, they will assess your pain situation and put you on a plan for a pain-free life. 

As you look for a premier physical therapist you can trust, North Platte Physical Therapy has you covered. Our experienced staff will walk you through your specific injury to ensure you heal properly and on time. Whether you bump or bruise your skin, your doctor and physical therapist will assess the quality of your damage. From there, your go-to physical therapist will create a recovery plan. This is ideal to help take a quick approach to injuries that lead to scarring and more. Get started and contact us today to see how we can help you!  We will be happy to help you walk through bruising and how to minimize symptoms.
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Top Reasons You Can Use Physical Therapy in Cheyenne, WY in the New Year

January 16, 2019

Top Reasons You Can Use Physical Therapy in Cheyenne, WY in the New Year
As you think about your New Year’s resolutions, did you know that physical therapy in Cheyenne, WY can help you achieve goals? By utilizing the expertise of a premier physical therapist, you can check things off your list, become more active, lose weight, be a better employee, reduce pain, and much more. Through these different tips, you can make 2019 your best year yet. 

Achieve Your Weight and Fitness Goals


Are you looking to lose the weight next year? Or become a better athlete? Start with a physical therapist. A top physical therapist does more than treat injuries. They will teach you a series of exercises that are tailored to your individual needs. After all, weight loss is not “one size fits all.” In addition to practicing diet and weight management, a physical therapist will teach you how to exercise for your body—providing a better quality of life. 

Be More Productive at Work


No matter if you have a desk job or a physical intensive one, physical therapy can make you a better employee. 
  • Desk jobs: For those that spend a majority of time at a desk, posture and ergonomics are key. Sitting in the proper position will help you reduce back problems and fatigue. When seated in the incorrect position for eight or more hours each day, you can do damage to your body. A physical therapist will help teach you form and best practices for the office. 
  • Physical work: People that are on their feet all day, whether it is a career in retail manual labor, will benefit from local physical therapy. They will walk you through tips for improved mobility and after consultations, help you develop skills to perform tasks more safely and efficiently. 

Eliminate Chronic Pain


More than 100 million Americans cope with chronic pain each year. Do you fall into this category? If you deal with chronic pain, do not put off healing yourself any longer. People think their chronic pain is normal and nothing can be done. Not true! By visiting with a physical therapist, they will develop a plan that is completely tailored to your pain or injury. Physical therapy is also a safer and healthier alternative to treating with addictive painkillers. Top physical therapists will continue to work with you to find the source of the problem so that you can be on the road to recovery. Chronic pain is also one of the factors that hinder people from achieving goals. Don’t let your pain stop you in 2019 and learn how physical therapy in Douglas, WY can be a part of your plan for better health. 

For all of your New Year’s resolutions, North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to physical therapist. Our team of skilled staff members would love to meet with you to help you achieve your goals. From orthopedics, spine care, and work injuries, to women’s health, modalities, and sports medicine, we have a wide range of services. Everyone can benefit from physical therapy, even just for a better and productive day-to-day. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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